Council directs staff to negotiate transfer and easement for Stanley Mill Street to support regional trail

The Marshalltown City Council on Feb. 9 directed city staff to negotiate an amicable agreement with the city of Albian to dedicate a portion of Stanley Mill Street and address permanent easement terms for the planned Iowa River’s Edge recreational trail.

Heather (city staff) described the request: Marshalltown holds title to a former railroad corridor in the Stanley Mill area, and the city of Albian asked that the portion that functions as the roadway be formally dedicated and recorded to clarify property lines and allow trail development. Attorney Luke Zalinsky, representing Albian, said the matter arose after surveys revealed unclear property lines and noted the city of Albian is willing to accept dedication if easements and responsibilities are clearly set.

Councilmembers asked about easements to preserve a permanent trail corridor and who would pay for future maintenance or improvements. One councilmember urged that if Albian wants the title, it should purchase the portion it intends to dedicate; staff and council discussed setting a minimal purchase price and clear responsibilities for maintenance and future improvements. The transcript records a reported original purchase price from the railroad of $294,000 and a Trails Inc. reimbursement figure of $300,000 cited during the discussion.

The council moved and seconded a directive for city staff and legal counsel to work with Albian’s attorneys to craft an agreement that includes easement language and cost responsibilities; the motion passed on roll call.

Next steps: city staff and legal counsel will draft an agreement spelling out an easement for the trail, responsibilities for maintenance and any minimal consideration for transfer; staff may return to council with proposed terms for final approval.